Girl child education and health empowerment program 2025 report.
Theme: Empowered girl child empowered nation.
Date: July 31st, 2025
Sub theme: Strategic Neutralization of Some Militating Forces Retardating National Development and Progress.
Introduction
The drastic increase in challenges among teenage girls in Nigeria has the potential to erode the progress made toward national development if not addressed. In response to this concern, the Committee of Friends for Humanity (COFFHA) has developed a Teenage Student Approach Intervention designed to prevent future occurrences and help those affected to manage their way out and live in dignity and good health. To ensure that the impact of the program is amplified it was carried out strategically at the end of academic session before the vacation for summer holiday (long break) because this and student strike period makes the student most susceptible to this challenges.
The Challenges
Teenage girls in Nigeria face a plethora of challenges that can have far-reaching consequences on their health, education, and socio-economic development. Some of these challenges include:
- Teenage Pregnancy: A multifaceted challenge that affects not only the health of adolescent girls but also the socio-economic development of communities and the nation as a whole. According to WHO, teenage pregnancy is a leading cause of death for people aged 15-19 years globally.
- Poor Hygiene: Can result in a range of health and social problems, including skin infections, vaginal infections, urinary tract infections, and more serious issues such as heart disease if dental hygiene is neglected.
- Drug and Substance Abuse: Exposes girls to risks of sexual misbehaviors, leading to infection and/or teenage pregnancy, and poor academic performance. Studies show that 2 in every drug abuser or addict is a girl.
The Program:
The Girl Child Health and Education Empowerment Program was designed to address these challenges and equip teenage girls with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to thrive. The program covered 14 critical areas, including:
- Menstrual Health and Hygiene
- Body Cleanliness
- Hair Care
- Tooth Care
- Skin Care
- Mental Health Care
- Adolescent Challenges, Solutions to Challenges
- Menstral Pain and Management
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Factors that Increase Chances of Infection
- Teenage Pregnancy: Causes and Consequences
- Drug and Substance Abuse
- Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem
- Life of Purpose and Impact
The program was carried out at Stellar Creative School Dunamis road by White House, Boundary Road (Nyanya-Mararaba), Abuja, and started at 10am, closing at 2:15pm. At the end of the seminar, each participant was gifted with a free pack of sanitary pads to ensure proper menstrual health. One-on-one counseling sessions were also conducted to provide individualized support to the participants.
Cases ranged from questions on hygienic practices to observe during menstruation to issues of verbal and domestic abuse experienced at home. One of the students reported a rape case which happened to her friend around her vicinity.
Proper counseling was carried out on the student who reported the rape case. The child with the case of constant verbal abuse from her guardian was counselled and encouraged. Follow-up in progress. The children generally were counselled on proper hygienic practices to observe during menstruation and how to care for their bodies.
Program Outcomes
The program was a resounding success, with participants showing a marked improvement in their knowledge, skills, and confidence.
- 137 teenage girls were reached and 72 girls were gifted with sanitary pads
- 10 female teachers were also reached
- Total number of person reached 147
Conclusion
The Girl Child Health and Education Empowerment Program has made a significant impact on the lives of teenage girls in Abuja. By providing essential knowledge, skills, and support, the program has empowered participants to take control of their health, well-being, and education. We look forward to continuing this initiative and expanding its reach to more teenage girls across the nation.